A cigar smoking blog with Cigar Reviews and Opinions about Cuban Cigars and other premium cigars of the world. Detailed information about cigar smoking, cigar accessories, cigar hunting, fake cigars, and Costa Rica.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

The Cigar Wrapper - So Misunderstood...

Conneticut, Shade Grown, Maduro... Cigars have more suits than I do. Although, the wrapper is very misunderstood.

The wrapper is called "capa" in Spanish, which translates more accurately to cloak or cape. The function of the wrapper is simply that a cape or cloak- and think of the wrapper as a nothing more than a cape wrapped around the cigar.

The wrapper is a special leaf. Smaller almost insignificant veins, oily silk-like texture, and an elastic anatomy are the qualities of a good wrapper. To achieve this, nearly every aspect of the of the agricultural and production process is very different from that of the filler.

There are several variations of color based changing certain elements in the process. The most common variations are listed here.

Some are more common than others, some are more popular than others, and within each of these categories there are many variations.

Why do I say that the wrapper is misunderstood... Just like an idiot in a nice jacket, what is on the inside it what makes the cigar. Do not be mislead, maduro or oscuro wrapper are not stronger. Oscuro wrapper may leave a stronger taste in your mouth, but that is coming from the unsmoked tobacco and isn't a good sign at all.

So in short, do not be mislead, and do not be tricked, the wrapper does not make a cigar stronger, nor does it make it better (if it is garbage on the inside). Don't get me wrong, a beautiful wrapper is a great way respect a great cigar, but my advice is- Don't get too caught up with the wrapper.

A pampered natural wrapper is what I prefer, slightly dark, and a little shiny, although the best cigar I ever smoked actually had no wrapper at all. It's binder was prepared and humidified like a wrapper. It left a raisiny flavor in my mouth, and I loved every puff.

I agree with "anonymous". Take the same filler of any cigar and wrap it with 5 different wrappers. I guarantee you your thought will change. The wrapper has a huge influence on the cigars flavor profile. I'd say more than 60%.

the wrpper plays one of the most important roles. Try this: cut off about 2 -3 inches of wrapper from the end of your cigar and smoke then smoke the cigar normally. it will taste like shit but the second the wrapper ignites it will be glourious. Sorry dud but your facts are wrong....